Policy & advocacy

The Mental Health Foundation works to influence public policy that will have a significant effect on the mental health of New Zealanders.

We do this by making submissions to central and local government, providing policy advice and by informing the public about opportunities to get involved though our media work, newsletters and social media channels.

The MHF focuses on systemic advocacy rather than providing individual advocacy support. This means we promote changes to attitudes and behaviours, policies, systems or laws that create barriers to wellbeing or impact negatively on people with experience of mental illness. We:

Contribute to community projects. Previous and current examples include the development of The Law and Mental Health Toolkit (2008); The Wellington Regional Resettlement Strategy (2008); regular regional mental health promotion forums; and contributions to local and national community and voluntary sector networks

Give input and advice into a number of projects which are led by government agencies such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development

Implement recommendations from research in order to support and advocate for people with experience of mental illness

Encourage the media to promote positive messages around mental health, social inclusion and suicide prevention.